Compliance Verification Activity Report: CV2223-072 - New Brunswick Power Transmission Corporation

Overview

Compliance verification activity type: Field Inspection

Team:

• Inspector 2349

Regulated company: New Brunswick Power Transmission Corporation

Operating company: New Brunswick Power Corporation

Province(s) / Territory(s):

• New Brunswick

Discipline(s):

• Integrity Management

Related events:

• CV2021-138

Rationale and scope:

Follow up inspection of Line 3001 repair/replacement work as identified in CV2021-138. IPL tower structures, conductors, insulators, spacers, dampers, guy wires and grounding were visually inspected. 

Compliance tool(s) used:

• None

Facility details

Facilities:

Facility Types

• International Power Line (IPL)
• Conductors and shields
• Dampers and spacers
• Grounding
• Guy wires
• Insulators
• Other
• Poles and towers
• Right of way

Life-cycle Phases

• Operations

Regulatory requirements

Regulatory requirements that apply to this activity:

• Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA)
• Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA)
• National Energy Board Act (NEBA)
• National Energy Board General Order for Electricity Reliability Standards General Order MO-036-2012
• National Energy Board Act (NEBA) 2016-06-19

Regulatory instrument number(s):

• EC-III-18

Observations (no outstanding follow-up required)

Observation 1 - EC-III-18 - Line 3001 - Day 1

Date & time of visit: 2022-09-13 06:00

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

The New Brunswick Power (NB Power) representatives met with Canada Energy Regulator (CER) CER Inspection Officers (IOs) at the hotel and travelled to the first inspection site. NB Power personnel proceeded with giving CER IOs information on the following topics:

Tower Numbering System

NB Power personnel explained that there is a nomenclature to refer to the different parts of a tower. CER IOs noted the numbering system was convoluted and difficult to explain in writing; the numbering system is shown in Attachments 1 & 2 of the IR Response provided in October 2022.

General Comments

The purpose of the inspection was to:

1. Follow-up repair completed in response to observations made during a 2018 inspection
2. Observe the general condition of the IPL and related structures, which may have resulted in new observations from the ones made in 2018. The new members are easy to distinguish because they are shinier and thicker than the original members.

• Signs displaying the tower numbers were all clearly visible on each structure.
• The conductors, insulators, spacers and dampers were in good condition.
• Other than a few exceptions noted under specific structures in the report, the bent members observed during the 2018 inspections were replaced with new thicker members.
• In order to address the bending members/torsion issue revealed during the 2018 inspection (CV1819-169), all of the tower legs were installed with a new member 40 made of thicker and stronger material and inside member 40, two cross members labelled 58a were installed also.
• All guy wires and associated u-bolts had good tension, were in good condition, and were marked for the most part with new sleeves.

• The repairs:
  • Flashed porcelain insulators were replaced with glass insulators.
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
• The structure is in good condition.
• Grounding wires were present on both tower legs.

• The repairs:
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
• The structure is in good condition.
• A grounding wire was present on the right tower leg while the grounding wire on the left tower was discontinued as shown in Figure 1: Tower 15 – Discontinued Grounding. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that the single ground is sufficient to maintain the reliability of the line based on the history of the line.

• The repairs:
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
  • A guy wire was repaired and the associated u-bolt was replaced with a new one.
• The structure is in good condition.
• Grounding wires were present on both tower legs.
• Vegetation on the bottom of the right leg made it difficult to see the tower footing as shown in Figure 2: Tower 19 - Vegetation. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that the Line was surveyed in Fall 2021 and scheduled in the vegetation management plan for 2023.

• The repairs:
  • Flashed porcelain insulators were replaced with glass insulators. CER IOs noticed a discrepancy between the NB Power submission RDIMS #1395702 and the repairs done. For instance, the report states that the left conductor’s insulators were replaced but the replacement appeared to be done on the middle and right conductor’s insulator strings, as shown in Figure 3: Tower 22 - Insulators. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed all flashed insulators have been replaced. No explanation was provided regarding the discrepancy between the paperwork and the field observation. CER IOs have recommendations regarding NB Power record-keeping practices (See Recommendations). Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Grounding wires were present on both tower legs.
• A sign was installed on the right tower leg indicating a snowmobile trail.

• Grounding wires were present on both tower legs.
• Vibration dampers were installed on the conductors.
• CER IOs stated that the tower structures will eventually need to be galvanized or coated to prevent them from corrosion. NB Power personnel explained that there is a program for corrosion management at NB Power and that a team is currently in the process of painting all of the towers in St John.

• A mixture of porcelain and glass insulators were installed on the same string to insulate the conductor on the left leg as shown in Figure 4: Tower 61 – Insulators Mix. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed that both Glass and Porcelain insulators meet standard CAN/CSA-C411.1-M89. And since both insulators are designed to meet the same requirements, there are no issues with mixing glass and porcelain on the same string.

• The completed repairs:
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).

• The repairs:
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
• CER IOs noted that the NB Power submission (RDIMS #1395702) included the word “backfill” without further explanation. NB Power suggested that the note may refer to including backfilling of the tower legs’ footing but CER IOs did not notice backfill work near the tower. NB Power personnel explained that the purpose of the backfilling is to re-establish the proper cover for the legs’ footing. According to NB Power practices the tower footing needs to be backfilled if more than 0.3 meters (or one foot) of footing is exposed. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that a work order has been submitted in winter 2022 indicating a commitment to mitigate the issue.  CER IOs have no further concerns about the backfill at this tower.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).

• The repairs:
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• A piece of wood was hanging from the tower structure as shown in Figure 7: Tower 71 – Wood Piece - the reason and person responsible for leaving this item on the tower is unknown.

• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. CER IOs stated that according to the Work Order (RDIMS #1395702), the broken ground was repaired at this site. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• A bullet hole is located on the right leg member 48, as shown in Figure 8: Tower 75 – Bullet Hole.

• The repairs:
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
  • Corroded footing was capped to prevent further corrosion.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. CER IOs stated that according to the Work Order, the broken ground was repaired at this site. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power clarified that the statement in NB Power’s report regarding the grounding repair was provided in error. A review of the field documentation found no mention of fixing the ground wire. CER IOs have recommendations regarding NB Power record-keeping practices (See Recommendations). In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• The second member 58 is missing from one of the legs. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, explained that member 58 was used during construction to keep the tower legs square. NB Power confirmed that member 58 is not required.

• The repairs :
  • The L-shaped metal part and the extra bolts installed on member 39 to correct the bending issue.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• A bird’s nest on the tower as shown in Figure 9: Tower 80 – Bird’s Nest. CER IOs were unable to determine from the field whether part of the nest was the static wire. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that it was determined that one stick is touching the overhead ground wire but the nest itself is not touching the shield wire. NB Power committed to continue monitoring the nest during annual air patrol and committed to taking action if the nest poses a reliability risk to the IPL.

• NB Power personnel explained that the B type of tower is very similar to the A type except for the base which is thicker.
• NB Power stated that Tower 79 underwent the most repairs and included:
  • Bent members were replaced with new members.
  • NB Power indicated that the tower legs were lifted to perform repairs on the footing at this site. CER IOs noticed that stagnant water is present in the hole.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).

• This tower is located at the Saint John River crossing.
• The concern at this site is the erosion of the river bank and its impact on the tower.
• NB Power’s survey specialist met with CER IOs at this site and stated that:
  • In 1984, rods were installed on the river bank and at other relevant locations as reference markers to monitor the ground’s movement.
  • According to the survey specialist’s calculations, the distance of the tower from the water is still approximately six meters (or 18 feet) as it was in 2016.
  • The survey specialist is of the view that:
    • The information provided in the GEMTEC report is incorrect (i.e., in the report the distance of the tower from the water fluctuates too much to be accurate)
    • The rate of erosion is not an issue for this tower
    • The ground movement is being monitored adequately
  • For ground movement to be considered significant it has to be beyond 2 cm, below 2 cm the movement is negligible.
• NB Power’s survey specialist committed to sending CER IOs various measurements that were taken over time at this site to demonstrate his above-mentioned views. In Attachment 2 of the IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, GEMTEC stated that no significant erosion of the bank occurred since the 2016 survey.
• CER IOs also requested information on the type of mitigation strategy that will be selected for this site by NB Power’s contractor (i.e. Manitoba Hydro). In Attachment 2 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, GEMTEC stated that the recommendation to implement remedial measures to ensure the ongoing stability of the tower foundations remains and that monitoring of the bank should continue until remedial measures are implemented. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power committed to continue monitoring Tower 130 as recommended by GEMTEC. NB Power also committed to selecting an option for remediation by the end of 2024.
• Corona rings are installed on the conductors to control power loss and these are in good condition.
• Parts of the tower are painted red. NB Power representatives explained that all the towers situated at a river crossing are painted red for visibility reasons.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• Vegetation was dense at this tower. NB Power representatives stated that:
  • This tower is on a five-year rotation for vegetation control.
  • Three years ago, the vegetation was clear and flat.
  • Vegetation at this site will be addressed according to the schedule determined by the vegetation management program.
  • In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that the Line was surveyed in Fall 2021 and scheduled in the vegetation management plan for 2023.
  • The survey specialist measured a clearance of 18 meters (60 feet) from the top of the vegetation (i.e. trees) to the conductors, which is considered acceptable according to CSA 22.3 and NERC FAC-003-4.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 2 - EC-III-18 - Line 3001 - Day 2

Date & time of visit: 2022-09-14 07:00

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

The NB Power representatives met with CER Inspection Officers (IOs) at the hotel and travelled to the first inspection site. Upon arrival at the first tower of the day, the CER IOs attended the tailboard meeting where all of the safety concerns related to the day’s inspection were discussed. CER IOs signed the attendance list.

Tower 83 (Type A frame)

CER IOs travelled to Tower 83 and observed the following:

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs had grounding wires.
• A piece of wood hanging on the right tower leg as shown in Figure 10: Tower 83 – Sign indicating that a snowmobile trail sign was posted in this location at some point. The wooden part of the sign is left in place.

• Bent members were replaced with new members. However:
  • the right leg member 42 on the back face was bent as shown in Figure 11: Tower 102 – Bent Member 42 (Right Leg, Front).
  • The right member 42 on the front face had a deformation as shown in Figure 12: Tower 102 – Bent Member 42 (Right Leg, Back).
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• The right leg footing is submerged in water and displays minor signs of corrosion as shown in Figure 13: Tower 102 – Right Leg Footing.
• The left leg footing is significantly exposed Figure 14: Tower 102 – Left Leg Footing. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that up to 18” of exposure is acceptable for this type of tower. CER IOs have no further concerns about the exposed footing.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachments 1 & 3 of the IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• The insulators were a mix of porcelain and glass on each phase, as shown in Figure 15: Tower 110 – Insulators Mix. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed that both Glass and Porcelain insulators meet standard CAN/CSA-C411.1-M89. And since both insulators are designed to meet the same requirements, there are no issues with mixing glass and porcelain on the same string.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• The right leg footing extends out of the ground substantially as shown in Figure 16: Tower 111 – Right leg Footing. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that up to 18” of exposure is acceptable for this type of tower. CER IOs have no further concerns about the exposed footing.
• The span between Tower 111 and 112 (observed from Tower 111) seemed significantly longer than other spans observed during the inspection. CER requested information about the structural reinforcement in place to support the longer span. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that Tower 111 Type A is appropriately designed for the span observed. CER IOs have no further concerns about the span.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• The insulators were a mix of porcelain and glass on the right phase, as shown in Figure 17: Tower 109 – Insulators Mix. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed that both Glass and Porcelain insulators meet standard CAN/CSA-C411.1-M89. And since both insulators are designed to meet the same requirements, there are no issues with mixing glass and porcelain on the same string. CER IOs have no further concerns about the mix and match of insulator material.
• The span between Tower 109 and 108 (observed from Tower 108) seemed significantly longer than other spans observed during the inspection. CER requested information about the structural reinforcement in place to support the longer span. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that Tower 111 Type A is appropriately designed for the span observed. CER IOs have no further concerns about the span.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Both tower legs were missing grounding wires. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).

• An electrical cable connected to a light that is no longer fixed to the tower.
• Red paint was applied on the tower for visibility some time ago, the paint displays several voids and is flaking off in several locations as shown in Figure 18: Tower 131 – Faded Paint.
• Red balls or white cones are installed on the shield wires to mark the lines but approximately two or three markers are missing as shown in Figure 19: Tower 131 – Missing Marker. CER IOs request confirmation that these balls will be replaced. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power committed to replacing the marker in accordance with Transport Canada's standard requirement.
• Double dampers are installed on the conductors to control vibrations.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• No grounding wire is in place on the right leg. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• The left leg grounding wire was repaired but extends on the surface of the ground a certain distance away from the footing to connect to the grounding rod below grade and presents a tripping hazard, as shown in Figure 20: Tower 133 – Loose Ground Wire. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed necessary repairs to mitigate the tripping hazards have been completed. Corrective measures included splicing in new sections as required and burying all exposed wire sections.
• The left leg footing extends out of the ground substantially and displays minor signs of corrosion. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that up to 18” of exposure is acceptable for this type of tower. CER IOs have no further concerns about the exposed footing.

• Bent members were replaced with new members. However, member 56-2 on the inside left leg shows a slight bend as shown in Figure 21: 134 – Slight Bend 56-2 (Left, In). In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed the bent member was replaced on October 18, 2022. CER IOs have no further concerns about the bent member.
• The grounding wire was discontinued on the right leg. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that the single ground is sufficient to maintain the reliability of the line based on the history of the line.
• The left leg grounding wire was repaired but extends on the surface of the ground a certain distance away from the footing to connect to the grounding rod below grade and presents a tripping hazard, as shown in Figure 22: Tower 134 - Left Leg Grounding and Footing. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed necessary repairs to mitigate the tripping hazards have been completed. Corrective measures included splicing in new sections as required and burying all exposed wire sections.
• The left leg footing was significantly exposed. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that up to 18” of exposure is acceptable for this type of tower. CER IOs have no further concerns about the exposed footing.

• Bent members were replaced with new members. However, member 42 (Right, Back) displayed damage that may have been caused by equipment at the time of installation as shown in Figure 23: Tower 137A - Bent Member 42 (Right, Back). Since the damage is at the ends of the members (as opposed to the middle part of the member), it is not expected to compromise the structure’s strength. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed the bent member was replaced on 18 October 2022. CER IOs have no further concerns with the bent member.
• The grounding wire was discontinued on the right leg. In Attachment 1 of the IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that no grounding wire is required at this location due to a long history of acceptable performance.
• The left leg grounding wire was repaired but extends on the surface of the ground a certain distance away from the footing to connect to the grounding rod below grade and presents a tripping hazard, as shown in Figure 24: Tower 134 - Left Leg Grounding and Footing.
• The left leg footing was significantly exposed.

• Most bent members were replaced with new members. However, member 44 (Right, Back) was bent although the NB Power paperwork indicated member 44 was repaired, as shown in Figure 25: Tower 139 – Bent Member 44 (Right, Back). In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed that bent member 44 has since been replaced. CER IOs have no further concerns about the bent member.
• Grounding wires were present on both legs, however, the right leg wire represents a tripping hazard. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed necessary repairs to mitigate the tripping hazards have been completed. Corrective measures included splicing in the new section as required and burying all exposed wire sections.
• A bullet puncture on the right leg outside the face.
• The right leg footing is significantly exposed as shown in Figure 26: Tower 139 – Right Leg Exposed Footing. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that up to 18” of exposure is acceptable for this type of tower. CER IOs have no further concerns about the exposed footing.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• The left leg corroded footing was capped to prevent further corrosion.
• The right leg grounding wire is original as it shows signs of corrosion and it extends on the surface of the ground a certain distance away from the footing to connect to the grounding rod below grade and presents a tripping hazard. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power confirmed necessary repairs to mitigate the tripping hazards have been completed. Corrective measures included splicing in the new section as required and burying all exposed wire sections.
• The left leg grounding wire was repaired and is in good condition.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 3 - EC-III-18 - Line 3001 - Day 3

Date & time of visit: 2022-09-15 06:00

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

The NB Power representatives met with CER Inspection Officers (IOs) at the hotel and travelled to the first inspection site. Once arrived at the first tower of the day, the CER IOs attended the tailboard meeting where all of the safety concerns related to the day’s inspection were discussed. CER IOs signed the attendance list.

Tower 181 (Type A frame)

It was noted that the following observations were made in 2018:

• Guy markers needed replacement – which was addressed at the time of this inspection
• An aerial marker was faded – which was not addressed at the time of this inspection. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power committed to addressing the faded marker when other work will be scheduled at the top of the tower.
• The tower legs were not grounded – which was not addressed at the time of this inspection. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• The left leg footing is significantly exposed. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that up to 18” of exposure is acceptable for this type of tower. CER IOs have no further concerns about the exposed footing.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Grounding wires were present on both legs.
• The aerial marker is faded. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power committed to addressing the faded marker when other work will be scheduled at the top of the tower.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Grounding wires were missing on both legs. In Attachment 1 of IR Response provided on 23 December 2022, NB Power stated that this location does not require a grounding wire due to low ground resistivity (less than 25 Ohms).
• Minor rust is present on the anchor and u-bolts.

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Grounding wires were missing on both legs. In its IR Response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that Manitoba Hydro International was engaged to review grounding requirements and the review is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2022. CER IOs have recommendations regarding tower grounding (See Recommendations).

• Bent members were replaced with new members.
• Grounding wires were missing on both legs. In its IR Response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that Manitoba Hydro International was engaged to review grounding requirements and the review is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2022. CER IOs have recommendations regarding tower grounding (See Recommendations).
• A remnant wooden platform was removed by NB Power representatives.
• Typically, CER IOs observed that B-Tower U-Bolt were buried in the ground. For this tower, the U-Bolts were not buried. NB Power is asked to provide an explanation of the factors that are considered when deciding on burying the U-bolts. In its IR response dated 24 October 2022, NB Power stated that U-Bolts are not meant to be buried. However, NB Power has no concerns given that no sign of corrosion was observed.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 4 - EC-III-18 - Line 3001 - Grounding Discussion

Date & time of visit: 2022-11-25 12:00

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Powerlines
• Poles and Towers
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

A virtual meeting was held between CER and NB Power personnel to discuss grounding issues in relation to the inspection of 345 kV IPL Line 3001. During the inspection, CER staff noted the absence of ground wire on numerous towers. Staff forwarded the list of towers to NB Power seeking clarification in an IR sent on 28 September 2022. Staff discussed in the meeting requirements of transmission tower grounding to limit touch and step voltages during an electrical fault and due to a lightning strike. In this context, CER staff informed NB Power of safe limits of touch and step voltages as determined by international institutions IEEE and IEC. It was pointed out by CER staff that to be consistent with those international practices, it is important that transmission towers are grounded properly for safety reasons. That said, staff also pointed out that although it is ideal, it may not be required to ground each tower. Staff referred to the following studies for transmission tower grounding designs:

1. Link 1
2. Link 2

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observation 5 - Recommendations for IPL EC-III-18 - Line 3001

Date & time of visit: 2022-12-30 12:30

Discipline: Integrity Management

Categories:

• Documentation
• Record Retention
• Powerlines
• Vegetation Control
• Poles and Towers
• Insulators
• Conductors and Shields
• Dampers & Spacers
• Guy Wires
• Grounding

Facility:

Observations:

Following the observations made as a result of the IPL inspection, CER IOs have the following recommendations:

1. Record-Keeping: Sometimes the information provided in NB Power submission #1395702 and the Work Order did not match what was observed in the field (refer to sections on Tower 22, 70, 75, and 76 for more details). NB Power is recommended to implement better record-keeping practices to accurately document work that was performed.
2. Tower 130 Bank Erosion: NB Power is recommended to implement the recommendations listed in the GEMTEC report (Attachment 3 of NB Power IR Response dated 23 December 2022). Specifically with slope stability remediation and monitoring.
3. Tower 131 Missing Markers: NB Power is recommended to replace markers in accordance with Transport Canada requirements. 

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observations (company follow-up required)

Identified non-compliances to company plans or procedures are non-compliances either to: